Finance Director

Finance Director - Cardiff/Hybrid - 6-month contract

Cpl NI are working on behalf of a public sector client who requires a Finance Director who will be a core member of the Executive Team and the Main Board. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, ensuring robust financial governance, and driving value-for-money outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to influence high-profile investments, lead enterprise-wide change, and help deliver lasting public value.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across Finance, Commercial, and Economics functions

Advise the CEO and Executive Team on financial strategy, investment, and governance

• Serve as:
  • Lead Executive for the Audit & Risk Assurance Committee
  • Accountable Executive for risk management and corporate assurance
  • Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and Commercial Assurance Panel
  • Corporate guardian for departmental budgets and efficiency compliance

Lead high-impact commercial and economic analysis to support public sector investment

Drive improvements in systems, reporting, and service delivery across finance operations

Embed best practice in procurement and commercial decision-making

Ensure full compliance with Managing Public Money, functional standards, and statutory reporting

Cultivate strong working relationships with government and external stakeholders

Oversee the delivery of the annual report, accounts, and corporate disclosures

Essential Experience

Executive-level financial leadership in a complex, preferably public sector, organisation

Proven success in financial stewardship and delivering value-for-money

Leading multi-disciplinary teams through organisational change

Track record of strategic planning, governance, and board-level influence

Building high-trust relationships across internal and external stakeholders

Promoting operational excellence and innovation

Skills & Abilities

Inclusive, visible leadership with the ability to influence at board level

Strong strategic, analytical, and critical thinking capabilities

Excellent communicator of complex financial and commercial issues

High resilience and ability to balance competing priorities under pressure

Skilled negotiator with sound judgement in risk and governance matters

Knowledge

Expert knowledge of financial management, control frameworks, and public accountability

Deep understanding of Managing Public Money, government commercial standards, and public investment principles

Insight into high-value procurement, market dynamics, and public sector commercial strategies

Qualifications

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent) - Essential

Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development

If you are interested in hearing more or to be considered for this role, apply here or contact Sophie Keogh at Cpl NI.